Developing a taxa‐related physical habitat score based on the response of macroinvertebrate community structure to fine bed sediment composition in the Tsitsa River, Eastern Cape, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholaus H. Huchzermeyer ◽  
Kate Rowntree
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Community Structure ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Community ◽  
Physical Habitat ◽  
Bed Sediment ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Sediment Composition

scholarly journals Biotic and abiotic correlates of small mammal community structure in the Groendal Wilderness Area, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Koedoe ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
L.M. Els ◽  
G.I.H. Kerley
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Community Structure ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Wilderness Area ◽  
Small Mammal Community ◽  
Small Mammal Communities ◽  
Mammal Community ◽  
Mammal Communities

We investigated the relations between environmental features (biotic and abiotic) and small mammal communities in the Groendal Wilderness Area, South Africa. Habitat architecture (expressed as both horizontal and vertical foliage density) and total plant canopy cover (especially shrub canopy cover) are the most important correlates of small mammal community structure at this site. The mechanisms for these relationships are complex, probably involving physiological, social and anti-predator effects as well as reflecting nutritional resources. Furthermore, man and fire influence small mammal community structure. These effects are as a result of altered plant community composition and structure by plantation and pasture establishment and burning. In order to maintain a diversity of small mammal communities, management should ensure a mosaic of diverse vegetation communities.

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